Here in the parishes of St Mary and St Swithun, we have an established custom of taking time out of the normal rhythm of church life through ‘Abiding Time’ in August each year.
So, how are you feeling Abiding Time this year? How is this season working out for you? What have you heard from God? What is God showing you in this time?
I don’t know about how you feel about the word ‘abide’. It’s not a word I regularly use outside the context of the church context. There is an abundance of Scripture passages in which we find this word used.
In John’s Gospel, Chapter 15, we read the 7th of Jesus’ ‘I am’ quotations. ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower.’ (John15:1). John uses the word abide eleven times in the first 10 verses.
I find the word ‘abide’ both challenging and stimulating and my sense is that this is a relational word, between me and God, me and Jesus. It is an invitation to be both restful (and reflective) and active (being open to what God may show me or speak to me about).
August is often a time of holidays, especially family holidays when children are on vacation. This year, we’ve had a family holiday which has meant us, as three generations, much opportunity to engage with each other and share experiences. We ‘abided’ together in a shared experience. I wonder how you’ve experienced the first half of ‘Abiding Time’? I wonder too, what your hopes and desires may be for the remaining 2-weeks.
The Gospel passage for 25th August is John 6:56-59. Jesus says, ‘Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me and I in them.’ (John 6:56). He (Jesus) continues, ‘Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me.’ (John 6:57).
The next section is an invitation to reflect on God’s Kingdom – with ‘Words of Eternal Life’ (Section Heading from NRSVA). Jesus says, ‘The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.’ (John 6:63b). This dialogue between Jesus and the disciples was very challenging; to them and to us. I find myself feeling rather like Simon Peter. ‘Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.’’ (John 6:68-69).
As you are able to share in Holy Communion in this remaining Abiding Time, may I encourage you to reflect on the words of the Eucharistic Prayer and your relationship with God through what Jesus has accomplished and his establishment of Holy Communion as a memorial. And the opportunity to abide in God and allow God to abide in you.
I pray that you may know the continued presence of God, through the Holy Spirit in this Abiding Time.
Revd Dave Mapes
A useful article, ‘Abide,’ by Josie Siler is found on Christianity.com (I’m happy to forward a copy to those interested.)